Authorities in New York are unraveling the shocking murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was fatally shot outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel on December 4. The assassination, described as a “brazen, targeted attack,” has raised questions about potential motives, including a disturbing link to the insurance industry’s practices and – a controversial book.
The Crime and Cryptic Clues
Thompson, 50, was gunned down while walking across the street to his hotel. The suspect, masked and waiting near the entrance, fired several shots from a silenced gun, hitting Thompson in the back and leg, before fleeing on an electric bicycle toward Central Park.
What has captured public and police attention alike is the discovery of three bullet casings inscribed with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” alongside three live rounds. Investigators believe these inscriptions could be symbolic, possibly referencing systemic practices in the insurance industry, and are now probing a possible connection to the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend by Jay M. Feinman.
🚨UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.
The full investigative efforts of… pic.twitter.com/K3kzC4IbtS
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 5, 2024
The search has already lead police to a hostel on the Upper West Side where detectives believe their suspect used a fake ID and paid in cash.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the attack was premeditated. Surveillance footage shows the gunman lying in wait, a fact that aligns with statements from Thompson’s wife, Paulette, who revealed her husband had received threats.
A Troubling Parallel with Feinman’s Book
Feinman’s book, Delay, Deny, Defend, critiques insurance companies for prioritizing profit over fairness by delaying payouts, denying valid claims, and vigorously defending their decisions in court. The etched phrases found at the crime scene reflect themes central to Feinman’s critique, sparking speculation that the shooter might have been inspired by the book, and may have suffered a denied claim at the hands of the giant insurer.
The book examines the erosion of the good faith principle in insurance, a key tenet requiring companies to act in policyholders’ best interests. Feinman highlights how these tactics often leave consumers without recourse, particularly those unfamiliar with their legal rights.
Authorities have not confirmed any definitive link between the book and the crime, but the connection has drawn significant public and media attention, intensifying scrutiny of UnitedHealthcare’s business practices.
UnitedHealthcare Under the Microscope
Thompson’s murder has reignited criticism of UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest health insurer, accused of unethical practices. Allegations include using bureaucratic obstacles and artificial intelligence to deny claims, particularly through the AI tool NaviHealth. A recent class-action lawsuit claims the system incorrectly denies 90% of post-acute care requests for Medicare Advantage members.
In July, over 150 demonstrators protested outside the company’s Minnesota headquarters, calling its practices exploitative. Critics have accused UnitedHealthcare of leaving patients without essential care, a claim echoed by Paulette Thompson. “People were threatening him over a lack of coverage,” she told NBC.
Investigation Gathers Momentum
The NYPD has released surveillance footage of a masked suspect and is pursuing multiple leads. A mobile phone recovered near the scene and eyewitness reports suggest the suspect escaped into Central Park. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the shooter’s capture.
Flags at UnitedHealthcare’s Minnesota campus have been lowered to half-mast. Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, expressed condolences in a message to employees: “Brian was a truly extraordinary person who touched the lives of countless people throughout our organization and far beyond. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
Thompson’s Legacy
A longtime leader in the healthcare industry, Thompson became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He previously served in various senior roles, including overseeing Medicare and Medicaid programs, and managed the company’s mergers and acquisitions.
He is survived by his wife, Paulette, two sons, his mother, and a brother. The tragedy has left the healthcare and insurance industries grappling with both grief and an urgent need for answers.
The cryptic clues, premeditated nature of the attack, and potential connections to systemic injustices in insurance have left investigators piecing together a complex and chilling case.
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